Author: gleanernewspaper
In a significant advancement for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made a generous donation of medical supplies and equipment valued at over $640,000. This contribution aims to bolster the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) in their efforts to combat the mpox outbreak and enhance overall health services in the country. This marks the third donation of mpox control laboratory and medical supplies since the outbreak began in January 2025, and it stands as the largest contribution to Sierra Leone this year. The supplies are strategically designed to strengthen the national…
In an important move to ensure the effective execution of the upcoming 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census (PHC ’26), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) convened a high-level roundtable meeting with members of the Census Advisory Committee. This significant gathering aimed to provide a thorough update on the current status of the census implementation, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The meeting witnessed robust participation from a diverse range of committee members, including representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Population and Development, and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone. Additionally, the gathering included…
Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority’s Director General, Yakuba Askia Bio Sierra Leone’s Port of Freetown is on the verge of a digital revolution, thanks to a needs assessment mission that ran from May 26 to May 30. This mission has laid the groundwork for the implementation of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system, which is a centralized digital platform that allows for seamless information exchange among the various stakeholders involved in ship arrivals, port operations, and departure. The MSW aims to streamline formalities and procedures, thereby reducing operational time and costs for maritime activities. Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member…
By Sampson Kwarkye Constitutional and legal reforms are needed to address divisions rooted in the over-centralisation of power and resources. Despite a veneer of national cohesion, deep ethnic and political divisions persist in Sierra Leone. These were evident during the 2023 contested elections, which required a national unity agreement to defuse tensions between the government and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). The APC had rejected the declaration of President Julius Maada Bio as the winner, citing irregularities and procedural infractions. While the next general election is still three years away, it’s critical to prevent a resurgence of tensions that could…
The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in the treatment and rehabilitation sectors. Sahr Christian Fayia, the president of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and Kpawuru E.T. Sandy, the secretary general of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, held a meeting in the African country with Babak Mahmoudi, the chief of the IRCS rescue and relief organization, the IRCS reported on Monday. The two sides discussed ways to broaden collaborations. They signed a memorandum of understanding, extending cooperation between the two societies for another 15 years. Lauding…
By Jeneba Conteh In a case that has captured public attention, two men, Ibrahim Mustapha Jabbie, 24, and Abdul Barrie, 33, were brought before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 4 in Freetown on serious charges related to financial fraud and forgery. The duo faces a total of five counts, which include conspiracy to defraud, possession of forged documents, possession of forgery tools, and obtaining money under pretenses. The allegations against Jabbie and Barrie stem from events that occurred between January 1 and February 28, 2025, in Freetown. They are accused of conspiring to defraud a victim,…
By Jeneba Conteh In a gripping courtroom showdown, defense attorney M. Barateh mounted a vigorous cross-examination that scrutinized critical elements of the prosecution’s case against three individuals implicated in the shocking murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia at VOPAD Radio Station. The trial, which has captured the attention of the community, revolves around serious allegations of conspiracy to murder, which the defense is steadfastly disputing. During the proceedings at Pademba Road Court No. 1, the accused—journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, also known as “Manager Dust,” along with bike rider Morlia Kamara and driver Umaru Timbo—made their fourth court appearance before Magistrate…
By Cyril Barnes Sierra Leone’s Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, has held discussions with His Excellency Khalid Yousif Aljalhma, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain regarding the implementation of bankable projects between the two countries. The engagement is part of a series of scheduled meetings Her Excellency will hold with Bahraini officials during her four-day working visit to Manama. In her remarks, Ambassador Thomas stated that her visit was to follow up on activities the two countries had previously initiated, particularly in finalizing bilateral agreements and exploring investment opportunities. She…
By: Miracle Seer The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in collaboration with the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General, hosted the 4th Edition of the Heads of Intellectual Property Offices Conference (HIPOC) for ARIPO Member States. The event, held at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, was themed “Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Transformative Leadership and Intellectual Property.”In her opening remarks as Chairperson, Madam Saptieu E. Saccoh reflected on the evolution and collaborative progress of intellectual property (IP) in Sierra Leone, expressing pride in the country’s achievements and growing impact. She underscored the importance of ARIPO,…
In response to the alarming increase in Mpox cases in Bo District, two brave survivors have taken an important step to strengthen the local healthcare system. On May 30, 2025, Joy Faith Kabba and Khadija Sesay, both of whom have overcome Mpox-related challenges, generously donated a large number of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) items to Bo Government Hospital. Their contribution aims to improve the safety and care of frontline health workers, patients, and visitors, thereby helping to break the Mpox transmission chain in healthcare settings. During the handover ceremony, both women expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the medical care…